News

A Plan for Northern Ontario

November 15, 2018

NORTH BAY – Ontario’s Government for the People has a Plan for the People of Northern Ontario to encourage economic growth and job creation.

In today’s Fall Economic Statement, Finance Minister and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli confirmed the government will cut through the delays and work directly with First Nations partners to unlock the vast potential of the Ring of Fire.

“Prosperity should reach every corner of this province, including Northern Ontario,” said Fedeli. “The development of the Ring of Fire will bring real benefits to Northern communities, Indigenous groups, and mining companies alike in our region.”

The government is moving forward with resource revenue sharing between Northern communities and mining, forestry and aggregates companies. The North will experience a direct benefit from these resource development projects, in addition to employment benefits, to help fund needed community services and improvements.

A new special mining working group will focus on streamlining the regulatory approvals process and attracting major new investments to the region.

“Improving infrastructure and reducing red tape in Northern Ontario is a priority for the government, especially as it contributes to the economic development of our region,” said Fedeli. “The fall fiscal update also committed to reviewing ways to improve our Northern highways to better serve our communities.”

Improvement projects along the Trans-Canada Highway will help increase the capacity of the highway and improve its safety and reliability. A review of the Far North Act will also be undertaken to encourage economic growth and ensure land use planning aligns with local, Indigenous, and provincial priorities. Regional transportation needs are also under review, including passenger rail and bus services.

Additionally, the government will be working with private gas distributors to expand natural gas service to more Northern communities, as well as to develop a strategy to improve broadband service in our communities and ensure businesses can fully participate in the digital economy